Chapter 23 - Seeds of Dominion

Six months later…

The trajectory of River’s decline had spiraled into chaos, the scale of its losses growing exponentially. Violent protests erupted in the streets, escalating into uncontrollable riots that forced the imposition of martial law. Rivermirror, in its growing power, severed its ties completely, banishing River’s citizens from its borders. Under the new law, any River resident found within Rivermirror’s territory would face immediate execution if sufficient evidence was presented—unless a Baron explicitly approved their presence. Rivermirror declared itself an independent city, governed by its Barons, with Hound assuming the role of overseer of all Seers. His position was absolute, his influence terrifyingly vast.

With Binge’s vast knowledge and experience, along with Gazier and Evee’s mastery of core hunting and resource management, the installation of the relay core was a resounding success. Dubbed “Prototype 0,” the system became the backbone of Rivermirror’s stability and prosperity, elevating the city into a thriving hub. Rune-constructed farms, orchestrated by Binge, produced a bounty of vegetation, while clean water flowed freely to its citizens, transforming the Barons into figures of reverence. For many, they were gods—providers of life in a world teetering on collapse.

Hound, however, was no object of worship. His name inspired fear, his shadow a looming reminder of the cost of disobedience. To offend a Seer was to sign one’s death warrant. Those who crossed them vanished without a trace, their very existence erased as if they had never walked the earth.

Meanwhile, River, abandoned by neighboring cities out of fear of Rivermirror’s wrath, found itself stranded and isolated, a barren wasteland of desperation and despair.

“I can’t go lower than 200,000 rupies,” Carson, an international tradesman, declared, his tone firm yet edged with a nervous energy.

“We agreed on 100,000,” Emily interjected smoothly, taking a deliberate sip of her tea. The faint clink of the porcelain against her lips punctuated the tension in the air. Her face, once unmarred, now bore two scars shaped like tears that ran down her cheeks—a mark burned into her flesh by Hound himself, a visible symbol of her unwavering devotion.

“That was before I understood the real value of the ether herb,” Carson countered, shrugging with an air of feigned indifference. “It’s not exactly popular on the mainland, you know.”

Emily rose from her chair in a single, fluid motion, her movements graceful yet laced with menace. “What a pity,” she said, her voice deceptively light. “I suppose I’ll just have to inform Hound that this month’s shipment was beyond our budget.”

Carson’s confident façade cracked. Panic seeped into his voice as he blurted out, “Ms. uh– Emily, I hope this doesn’t sour our partnership. Is my safety… guaranteed on the way out?”

A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she approached the door. “You’re in Rivermirror, Carson. Your safety is never guaranteed,” she said, turning back to him with a sharp glint in her eyes. “What I can guarantee is that you won’t face any hardships from the Seers… for now.” Without another word, she stepped through the doorway, slamming it shut behind her.

“How did it go, ma’am?” her guard inquired, her tone polite yet tinged with curiosity. The guard, a Seer handpicked by Emily herself, carried a lean yet commanding presence. Her speedster abilities coupled with a devilish charm made her an invaluable ally.

“No ether this month,” Emily replied nonchalantly, her tone detached as if the failed negotiation was of no consequence.

“May I attempt to… negotiate with him?” April asked, her hand already resting on the door’s handle, her eagerness barely restrained.

“There’s no need,” Emily responded curtly, her tone firm enough to brook no argument.

April hesitated, confused by the abrupt dismissal. “But ma’am, Hound—”

“Let me worry about Hound. I said no need,” Emily interrupted, her voice carrying an edge that silenced further protest.

“Yes, ma’am,” April said quickly, withdrawing her hand and stepping aside.

(Hound’s new residence)

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the balcony in a golden-red glow as Hound stood silently, his gaze fixed on the skyline. Beside him, Binge leaned against the railing, his demeanor uncharacteristically contemplative.

“I know we have our differences, Hound,” Binge began, his voice measured, “but I’ve always wondered why you don’t offer more… assistance.”

Hound didn’t turn to look at him. His voice was calm, yet there was an unmistakable undercurrent of annoyance. “I have offered my assistance. I taught you how to fight River. I’ve warned you what to avoid. I’ve even saved the other Barons from life-or-death situations on countless occasions. What more do you want from me?”

Binge took a deep, steadying breath, his fingers gripping the railing as if to ground himself. “Long term…” he started, hesitating briefly before continuing, “What do you see in the future of Prototype 0?”

A soft chuckle escaped Hound’s lips as he finally turned to face Binge. “Ah, so that’s why you’re here,” he said, his tone laced with amusement. “The answer is yes. I already know what you’ve done.”

Binge stiffened, his calm demeanor cracking as unease flickered across his face. “Is it too late?” he asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with genuine worry.